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Welcome back to DeaconCast. It’s Monday, November 30, the last day of the month and the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before he was called to follow Christ. Here’s what St. John Chrystostom had to say about Andrew, from today’s Office of Readings:

“After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened top share it with his brother (Peter). Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when He does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.”

Chrystostom goes on to point out that this conversion took time. Just because the scriptural narrative is fairly short, it doesn’t mean that there was overnight enlightenment. As we know from reading the rest of the Gospels, it took a long time for some of Jesus’ disciples to “get it.” In fact, for some of them it took His death and resurrection to make them understand. In the case of Thomas, it took even more than that.

These early days of Advent are a good time to reflect on our own understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord.

New Web Site

From the Catholic News Agency, the U.S. Bishops have launched a new web site for Advent and Christmas. It’s pretty neat and includes a virtual “Advent Calendar”. By clicking on each day of the Advent season you’re taken to a page of resources for that day. There are also sections of the site with prayers and blessings, Advent carols, and other cool stuff for the season. Check it out!